Collins Life-Size Birds

The photographs are gloriously detailed, appealing to both beginners and experienced birdwatchers. Recent advances in digital imaging technology mean that contemporary bird photography can reveal as much detail as can be seen with the naked eye and the bird in the hand, allowing this unique book to depict birds in intricate detail at life size – or even larger than life in the case of many smaller species. For every species entry, at least one image shows the bird in question, or the head and bill in the case of larger species, depicted at actual life size. The photographs have been chosen carefully to show not only important identification features but also to depict each bird's typical posture, whether perched, standing, swimming or in flight. As many plumage variations as possible have been included, with annotations highlighting key identification features discussed in the text. For each species, the main text contains descriptions of plumage and structural features useful for identification, plus further information about habits and behaviour. A comprehensive fact file covers essential details including common and scientific names, length, wingspan, habitat, food, status and voice – making this an invaluable reference for anyone who loves birds.